Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 47

47 Get Out of My Head

(Winona)

I'm not sure I'm ready. I thought I would be. "Let's get this day over with first."

I extract myself from his arms and pick up some oven trays full of party favorites to heat. The oven's warmth is a stark contrast to the cold pit in my stomach.

"Of course." Phillip gets some cheese and fruit platters from the fridge. "I'll go put these on the table." He smiles, trying to ease the tension, but I can sense the unease between us. "Thanks." Then I hesitate. "Phillip?"

"Yes?" He turns back to look at me, concern in his eyes, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"Play it cool out there." I bite my lip, the worry gnawing at me.

Memories of Jayden and our time together flash through my mind. His sexy smile, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, how safe I felt in his arms. Ishake the thoughts away, focusing on the present. will." Phillip's voice is reassuring, but I can still see the tension in his posture.

*Abby may say some things. Kids don't understand adult stuff. But this is her big day, and she has a long road ahead, so it needs to be special. For all of us." I take a deep breath; I stop short of saying we may not get another birthday. "Understood." He nods, giving me a small smile before heading out. I watch him go, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts.

1 hear the doorbell chime. "I'll get that." I say as I go back out to find them chatting about the cake together.

Jayden looks up, and our eyes meet. A jolt of something nostalgia, longing, regret runs through me.

Ashlyn doesn't look overly impressed. I hope what Abby said earlier doesn't trigger her. Maybe I should've gotten Jayden to do this in private, but what's done is done now.

As I head towards the front door, it opens and in strolls Judy, looking a billion dollars, literally. Her presence fills the room, and I feel a wave of anxiety wash over me.

Memories of Judy's critical eye and hateful comments surface, making me tense. Why does all of this have to hit me today?

"Winona! Oh, what a quaint little home! You're looking amazing as always." She proceeds to air-kiss both my cheeks.

don't all have a twelve-bedroom mansion,

mine?" she asks as she heads off towards Jayden

I think I prefer her being hostile towards me.

is only just beginning, and I already feel like in walking on a tightrope, one unknowing

#25 BONUS

Out of My

as he looks at her, and a pang of something - jealousy? longing? - hits

of our relationship, the way he made me laugh, the way we talked about our dreams and future. It's hard to see him now, part of that future we

open it to Lisa's

"Come in!"

Lisa hugs me I whisper, "thank god you're

heads toward the other guys and

Judy being a monster?" Lisa

"Worse. She's being nice."

"Ugh!"

I don't

I invite them all in to join the others. We're a small group but

everything." I

see Lisa

I say knowing

Okay. Kid's party. I

hook it up after the cake cutting and when

me the double thumbs up. Jayden gives me

moment to collect myself. The noise of the party fades as

are overwhelming, and I need to focus on the present, on

the kitchen, cooking together, laughing

to clear the memories. I can't let

walks in.